Ward is a retired ship captain, pilot and transportation buff. Bandiera is a former flight attendant with Gol Airlines in Brazil. He took a 6-month furlough to learn English in Fort Lauderdale.

Ward now works as a facilities and information technology manager at The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors.

For over two years they bumped into each other at various events around town. Ward was shy about approaching Bandiera, assuming that he was off the market. Bandiera was interested but assumed Ward was straight. Bandiera hadn’t dated anyone in 13 years, and Ward nine years.

Married life is on track for Paul Ward and Jules Bandiera who became the first couple to have the first wedding on a Brightline train. (Jennifer Lett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Ward told a mutual friend that he was interested in Bandiera but was too shy to ask him out.

“I’m 6-foot-2, 244 pounds but I’m not bold,” said Ward.

The friend was standing with Bandiera one day and decided to phone Ward and put him on the spot. The mutual friend handed the phone to Bandiera and the two finally connected.

Their first date was Oct. 30 where they spent three hours getting to know each other.

“There was this wonderful energy that was palpable when he held hands,” Ward said.